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OFFICIAL SPORTS ©2019 TWIN CITIES ORTHOPEDICS MEDICINE PROVIDER 2o18 season leaders contents

Tackles 2 Fan Code of Conduct Sacks 4 Big Pics: Preseason 2 game-day guide 6 Today’s Game 9 Today’s Promotions 13 Vikings Snapshot 14 Cardinals Snapshot 16 Depth Charts & Rosters features 18 Happy Homecoming 21 Timeout with Brothers 24 Kyle Rudolph: Down Home Up North 31 Shared Heritage 35 Purple Pups: Andee & Allee Zimmer

entertainment 38 Vikings Entertainment Network: New in 2019 39 Vikings Cheerleaders 40 Viktor the Viking 41 Vikings Kids Club extras 10 Upcoming Events 42 Team Up to Give Back 44 Foundation 47 U.S. Bank Stadium Maps 48 Concession Offerings

EDITOR: Craig Peters COPY EDITOR: Lindsey Young WRITERS: Craig Peters, Eric Smith & Lindsey Young ART DIRECTION & DESIGN: Check out page 35 and learn Taylar Sievert, Alicia Dreyer, Elizabeth more about Andee and Allee, Bazany, Dane Kuhn & Jackie Ramacher the chocolate Labs owned by PHOTOGRAPHY: Andy Kenutis, Vikings linebackers coach Adam Travis Ellison & the Associated Press PUBLISHED BY: GameDay Sports; Zimmer who have a special tie [email protected] to the family. ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: [email protected] © 2019 by Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

2019 vikings playbook 1 WE ARE VIKINGS, NOT BARBARIANS REPORT We are confident that our fans lead the NFL in enthusiasm, support, hospitality and ISSUES sportsmanship. Our image is shaped not only by our players, coaches and employees, but by our Text VIKES (space), the fans as well. Our goal is to create a high-energy environment to lend support to our team, while issue and location to: maintaining a family-oriented atmosphere.

TO ENSURE that all fans have a pleasant game-day • Sitting or standing in the aisles experience, each patron should act responsibly and be • Entering or attempting to enter the field of play considerate of others. Unruly behavior will not be tolerated • Failure to follow instructions of stadium security and, in some cases, might be deemed grounds for personnel dismissal from U.S. Bank Stadium. These cases include, • Entering the stadium with any prohibited items QUESTIONS? but are not limited to, the following: • Harassment of visiting-team fans Use the photo app on • Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol Season Ticket Owners are responsible for the actions • Underage drinking of any individual using their tickets. Any of the above your smart phone to • Actions that are harmful to or endanger others behavior by anyone using an account owner’s ticket(s) scan & ask a question. • Throwing items of any kind may be cause for non-renewal of ticket privileges. Vikings • Using foul or abusive language and/or gestures management and security reserve the right to deem an • Displaying inconsiderate behavior toward others act or exhibited behavior as inappropriate and take action, • Disorderly conduct based on available information and circumstances. Thank • Wearing obscene or indecent clothing you for making U.S. Bank Stadium an enjoyable and • Smoking in non-designated areas friendly atmosphere to watch Vikings football!

The Vikings strongly encourage fans to not bring any type of bags, but should the need arise, fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue CLEAR PLASTIC BAG SMALL CLUTCH BAGS ONE GALLON BAG lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium: No larger than 12” x 6” x 12” No larger than 4.5” x 6.5” Clear plastic freezer bag

2 2019 vikings playbook

big pics preseason 2 1

vs. seahawks 2 The Vikings improved to 2-0 on the preseason with a 25-19 defeat of the Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday night.

The prime-time game included big outings from several players. Three Vikings – Irv Smith, Jr., Khari Blasingame and Brandon Zylstra – found the end zone, and Mike Boone led Minnesota with 66 rushing yards on 21 carries. Defensively, the Vikings rallied after allowing the Seahawks a couple of chunk A wide-open Irv Smith, Jr., hauled in a Vikings safety Jayron Kearse totaled plays and kept Seattle’s 1 touchdown pass from quarterback Sean 2 a team-high three tackles for offense out of the end zone. Mannion. The rookie tight end made loss Sunday night, including this five catches for 28 yards in his second takedown of Seahawks running preseason outing. back Rashaad Penny.

4 2019 vikings playbook 3

4 5

Adam Thielen pulled in a perfectly placed deep Harrison Smith thwarted a pass A week after joining the Vikings from 3 ball from , making the catch just 4 attempt to Seahawks receiver 5 Baltimore via trade, punter/kicker Kaare beyond Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin. Tyler Lockett. The All-Pro safety Vedvik handled all kickoff duties for Thielen finished the night with three catches totaled one tackle and one pass Minnesota. The Norway native also punted for 45 yards. defensed on the evening. three times and kicked an extra point.

2019 vikings playbook 5 kids and family day Football brings family and friends together in multiple settings, and today we are pleased to celebrate participants of all ages by hosting Kids and Family Day.

color guard Minneapolis Fire Department Honor Guard Vikings vs. cardinals Today’s game features the Cardinals and The attendance for that game was 34,417. The franchises also became the first NFL teams to the Vikings in the third exhibition contest venture across the pond when they met in front of 32,847 at London’s Wembley Stadium. of 2019 for each team. Minneapolis native Larry Fitzgerald — a former ball boy for the Vikings turned future Hall of This is the 15th preseason meeting between Fame receiver — is preparing for his 16th pro the franchises in a series that began in 1962, season, as is punter Andy Lee. They are only Minnesota’s second season in the NFL. The surpassed on the Cardinals roster, in terms of Cardinals, who were still based in St. Louis back seniority, by Terrell Suggs, who was born in then, prevailed 24-21 in front of 15,500 at Parade Minneapolis. Suggs leads all active players with Stadium in Minneapolis. 132.5 career sacks heading into his 17th season halftime The franchises have been quite nomadic and first in Arizona. Today’s halftime will feature the with preseason contests, meeting in Atlanta Defensive end Everson Griffen is the only annual Mascots-Youth Football in 1964 (before the creation of the Falcons) for Vikings player from Arizona. Griffen has 66.5 scrimmage. Viktor has rounded up a game attended by fewer than 10,000 fans career sacks and is the longest-tenured Viking his team of mascots who will face and Memphis in 1969 (50 years ago yesterday). as he prepares for his 10th season. the Farmington Tigers.

minnesota vikings junior cheerleaders (jr mvc) performance Prior to today’s contest, participants in the JR MVC program will perform a professional production alongside the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. The JR MVC program is designed specifically to promote self-esteem, pride, hard work and fun among young women 3 - 14 years of age. Visit vikings.com/cheerleaders for more details on the JR MVC.

6 2019 vikings playbook

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augmented reality SOUVENIR PEPSI CUPS Scan your Pepsi cup with the Vikings hometown heroes App to unlock some of our best player celebrations! Share yours with During each home game, U.S. Bank and the Minnesota Vikings will recognize #SkolCelebrations #Contest for a chance to win Vikings tickets and individuals who have helped make our community a better place. other prizes! Today’s Hometown Hero is Mark Graves. The program honors individuals who have gone to extraordinary measures to make positive differences in the community. If you would like to nominate someone, visit vikings.com/fans/promos/hometown-hero.

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tickets, pregame sideline passes and a Visit Vikings.com/KwikTrip for details. commemorative game coin. Join Vikings Rewards at Vikings.com/Rewards and enter for your chance to win. #MINIVIKES MASTERPIECE We want to see your #MiniVikes #VIKINGSHAIRSTYLE masterpieces! Complete your Vikings PEPSI_H1_NB_LARGE_4C (4" AND LARGER) coloring sheet at home and share your Spalon Montage will be giving away a creation on social media by Aug. 28 using $100 gift card at today’s game! Show #MiniVikes. Tag Twin Cities Orthopedics, us your game-day hairstyle by tweeting and you could win a Vikings coloring set! HY-VEE #SKOL a photo @VikingsPromos using #VikingsHairstyle to enter. Need a coloring sheet? Download one at Share a photo at today’s game TCOmn.com/MiniVikes. using #SKOL for a chance to see yourself on the video board.

2019 vikings playbook 9 FRIDAY FOOTBALL FEAST sept. 6 | 9 a.m. - noon Join KFAN each Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon for a Friday Football Feast presented by Coors Light and KFAN. Paul Allen and Paul Charchian will get you set for the weekend’s action, including an in-depth preview of the upcoming Vikings game. Use #MVPTablePromo in your tweets for a chance to win an MVP experience! The first Friday Football Feast wil be at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Oakdale.

TCO VIKINGS 5K Vikings Kickoff Rally sunday, sept. 29 Experience what it is like to be a saturday, sept. 7 | 1-5 p.m. | commons park Minnesota Viking as you conquer the TCO Vikings 5K. Join us Sunday, Sept. Come celebrate the start of the Vikings season on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the 29, as you and your friends finish on the 50-yard line at TCO Stadium at official Vikings Kickoff Rally presented by Miller Lite. Viking Lakes, home of the Vikings. This free event takes place in the Commons Park outside of U.S. Bank Stadium in Register today at Vikings.com/5K. partnership with iHeart Media and will feature a live performance by Bret Michaels, along with appearances by Vikings Legends, Vikings Cheerleaders, the SKOL Line, Viktor the Viking and more. MADDEN NFL 20 SIGNUP now - oct. 7 Think you’re the best Madden 20 WORKOUT WEDNESDAYS* VIKINGS COUNTRY player? Here is your chance to wednesday, aug. 28 sept. 3 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. represent the Vikings in the Madden NFL 20 Club Championship. Finalists join Vikings Women once a month The popular radio show, Vikings Country will play live at EA Studios in during the football season for Workout presented by Miller Lite, returns on Sept. 3 California, with a chance to earn a Wednesdays. Classes will be taught by and will be hosted from Tiff’s in St. spot and represent the Vikings in the Life Time instructors for all fitness levels. Paul. Host Mike Mussman will be joined Madden Championship. To qualify, you The first class, MIXX with Michael Blanks, each week by a current Vikings player. must sign up now through Oct. 7 and will be held at TCO Stadium on Aug. 28. Join us for a chance to win Vikings compete as the Vikings. Register at Register at vikings.com/womensevents. tickets and prizes. Maddenchampionship.com/register.

fantennial The Vikings Fantennial Weekend presented by Courtyard Marriott will include a full slate of fan activities from Friday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept 22. Friday night will feature our Vikings Prep Spotlight high school football series at TCO Stadium, which is presented by FVP. For Saturday, we will have a family friendly weekend festival at TCO Performance Center celebrating the history of football in Minnesota, and the weekend will conclude on Sunday when the Vikings host the Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium.

*Women ages 18 and up are welcome. 10 2019 vikings playbook

snapshot vikings

2o18 season leaders Passing (Yds) Kirk Cousins 4,298 Rushing (Yds) 615 Receiving (Yds) 1,373 Tackles 122 Sacks 14.5 H. Smith, A. Harris 3 KOR (Yards) 258 PR (Avg.) Marcus Sherels 12.0

2019 schedule preseason (2-0) P1 8/9 at New Orleans Saints W 34-25 P2 8/18 Seattle Seahawks W 25-19 P3 8/24 Arizona Cardinals player to watch: P4 8/29 at TE regular season (0-0) 1 9/8 Atlanta Falcons CONKLIN IS AN INTRIGUING PLAYER to watch as Minnesota moves forward with its 2 9/15 at new offense led by Offensive Coordinator Kevin Stefanski with influence from Assistant 3 9/22 Oakland Raiders Head Coach/Offensive Advisor Gary Kubiak and tight ends coach Brian Pariani. In 4 9/29 at Chicago Bears 5 10/6 at New York Giants Stefanski’s first game as interim offensive coordinator last season (against Miami), 6 10/13 Philadelphia Eagles Conklin caught two passes for 53 yards. Multiple signs point to the Vikings being, well, 7 10/20 at multiple, this season in terms of personnel groupings and formations. Conklin’s solid 8 10/24 Washington Redskins hands, as well as his ability to play from different spots, block at the line of scrimmage 9 11/3 at Kansas City Chiefs 10 11/10 at Dallas Cowboys and run routes should help. Conklin led the Vikings in receiving yards in Minnesota’s 11 11/17 Denver Broncos 2019 preseason opener at New Orleans, totaling 56 yards on two catches. He turned 12 11/24 Bye Week a short toss by Sean Mannion into a 34-yard gain on a tight end screen in the second 13 12/2 at Seattle Seahawks quarter. Conklin also capitalized on what appeared to be a bust in coverage by the 14 12/8 Detroit Lions Saints for a 22-yard reception from Kyle Sloter in the third quarter. 15 12/15 at Los Angeles Chargers 16 12/23 Green Bay Packers 17 12/29 Chicago Bears

FORMER BASKETBALL PLAYER: CONKLIN INITIALLY ENROLLED AT NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY, A MEMBER OF THE GREAT LAKES top 2s against cardinals INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE, TO PLAY COLLEGE rushing yards 165 Adrian Peterson on 28 attempts BASKETBALL. A GUARD FOR THE TIMBERWOLVES, HE PLAYED IN EIGHT at Arizona (Dec. 14, 2008) GAMES AND AVERAGED 3.3 POINTS, 2.6 REBOUNDS AND 1.6 ASSISTS 155 Latavius Murray on 24 attempts in Minnesota (Oct. 14, 2018) PER CONTEST. CONKLIN TRANSFERRED TO CENTRAL MICHIGAN AFTER passing yards ONE SEMESTER AND FOCUSED ON FOOTBALL. 446 Brett Favre on 36-of-47 passing in Minnesota (Nov. 7, 2010) 355 Warren Moon on 29-of-47 passing at Arizona (Oct. 2, 1994)) 11 in Conklin became the starting tight end for the Chippewas in 2016. He receiving yards totaled 11 touchdowns in his final two seasons, despite suffering a 167 Cris Carter on 14 catches foot injury in 2017. He finished his college career with 83 receptions at Arizona (Oct. 2, 1994) two for 1,159 yards in 34 games. 157 Cris Carter on 12 catches at Arizona (Nov. 12, 1995)

2019 vikings playbook 13 cardinals snapshot

2o18 season leaders Passing (Yds) Josh Rosen 2,278 Rushing (Yds) David Johnson 940 Receiving (Yds) Christian Kirk 734 Tackles Antoine Bethea 121 Sacks Chandler Jones 13 Interceptions Tre Boston 3 KOR (Yds) T.J. Logan 296 PR (Avg.) Christian Kirk 7.8

2019 schedule preseason (1-1) P1 8/8 Los Angeles Chargers W 17-13 P2 8/15 Oakland Raiders L 33-26 P3 8/24 at Minnesota Vikings P4 8/29 at Denver regular season (0-0) player to watch: 1 9/8 Detroit Lions 2 9/15 at 3 9/22 MAXX WILLIAMS 4 9/29 Seattle Seahawks 5 10/6 at WILLIAMS’ NEXT CATCH will be his first in a Cardinals uniform. The Waconia native 6 10/13 Atlanta Falcons and former Golden Gophers star signed with Arizona this offseason after spending 7 10/20 at New York Giants 8 10/27 at New Orleans Saints the first four years of his career with Baltimore. A second-round pick by the Ravens in 9 10/31 San Francisco 49ers 2015, Williams caught 32 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown in starting seven of 10 11/10 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers the 14 games he played as a rookie. A knee injury in 2016, however, cost him all but four 11 11/17 at San Francisco 49ers 12 11/24 Bye Week games. Williams totaled 63 receptions, 497 yards and three touchdowns in 42 games 13 12/1 Los Angeles Rams and made an impact as a blocker. He helped the 2018 Ravens produce a team-record 14 12/8 Pittsburgh Steelers 5,999 yards of offense and rank second in the NFL with 152.6 rushing yards per game. 15 12/15 Cleveland Browns 16 12/22 at Seattle Seahawks Williams’ ability as a blocker could lead to some interesting challenges with Vikings 17 12/29 at Los Angeles Rams defensive ends and linebackers in today’s game.

FOOTBALL IS FAMILY: WILLIAMS’ FATHER, BRIAN, LETTERED AT top 2s against vikings MINNESOTA FROM 1986-88 AND PLAYED OFFENSIVE LINE FOR THE rushing yards 182 Wayne Morris on 27 attempts NEW YORK GIANTS FROM 1989-99. THE TIGHT END’S GRANDFATHER, in Minnesota (Nov. 6, 1977) BOB, WAS AN ALL-AMERICAN QB AT NOTRE DAME WHO WAS SELECTED 164 Ottis Anderson on 25 attempts at St. Louis (Nov. 4, 1979) NO. 2 OVERALL IN 1951 BY THE BEARS AND INDUCTED TO THE COLLEGE

passing yards FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME IN 1988. 405 Matt Leinart on 31-of-51 passing in Minnesota (Nov. 26, 2006) 353 Jim Hart on 28-of-43 passing at St. Louis (Nov. 11, 1974)

receiving yards 13 in In just two seasons of playing tight end for the Golden Gophers, Williams 172 Larry Fitzgerald on 11 catches totaled 61 receptions for 986 yards. His 13 receiving touchdowns in that in Minnesota (Nov. 26, 2006) 159 Sonny Randle on six catches span rank 10th in school history. It was an impressive follow-up to a high in Minnesota (Nov. 6, 1963) two school career that earned placement on the Vikings 10th annual All-State High School Football Team in 2011.

14 2019 vikings playbook Covering Minnesotans from horns

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1 Kyle Sloter QB 33 30 running back fullback 3 QB Dalvin Cook 8 C.J. Ham quarterback 4 Sean Mannion QB Kirk Cousins 5 Dan Bailey K 6 Matt Wile P 7 Kaare Vedvik P/K 8 Kirk Cousins QB 14 82 75 64 56 65 71 19 tight end right tackle right guard center left guard left tackle wide receiver 11 Laquon Treadwell WR Kyle Rudolph Brian O’Neill Josh Kline Riley Reiff Adam Thielen 12 WR vikings offense 13 Jeff Badet WR cardinals defense 14 Stefon Diggs WR 15 Brandon Zylstra WR 16 Davion Davis WR 17 Dillon Mitchell WR 21 97 98 95 23 18 Jordan Taylor WR cornerback defensive end nose tackle defensive end cornerback 19 Adam Thielen WR Zach Allen Corey Peters Rodney Gunter Robert Alford 20 CB 55 56 21 Mike Hughes (PUP) CB sam lb will lb Chandler Jones Terrell Suggs 22 Harrison Smith S 43 58 23 Mike Boone RB inside lb inside lb 36 Jordan Hicks 32 24 Holton Hill CB strong safety free safety 25 RB D.J. Swearinger, Sr. Budda Baker 26 Trae Waynes CB vikings special teams 27 Jayron Kearse S 29 Xavier Rhodes CB 30 C.J. Ham FB 31 Ameer Abdullah RB 2 6 7 58 31 32 De’Angelo Henderson RB kicker punter punter/kicker long snapper punt/kick returner Dan Bailey Matt Wile Kaare Vedvik Austin Cutting Ameer Abdullah 33 Dalvin Cook RB 34 Duke Thomas CB 35 Isaiah Wharton S 36 Craig James CB roster and depth chart 37 Derron Smith S 38 Kris Boyd CB 39 Marcus Epps S MINNESOTA VIKINGS 40 Kentrell Brothers LB 41 Anthony Harris S 42 LB 43 Reshard Cliett LB 59 Cameron Smith LB 73 G 86 Brandon Dillon TE 44 Nate Meadors CB 60 Tito Odenigbo DT 74 Stacy Keely DE 87 Cole Hikutini TE 45 Greer Martini LB 61 Brett Jones C 74 Olisaemeka Udoh T 89 David Morgan (PUP) TE 46 Bené Benwikere CB 62 Anree Saint-Amour DE 75 Brian O’Neill T 90 Tashawn Bower (NFI) DE 48 Khari Blasingame FB 63 G 76 Aviante Collins T 91 DE 50 Eric Wilson LB 64 Josh Kline G 78 G 92 DT 51 Hercules Mata’afa DT 65 Pat Elflein G 79 Nate Wozniak T 93 Shamar Stephen DT 52 John Keenoy C 66 Curtis Cothran DT 79 Karter Schult DE 94 DT 54 Eric Kendricks LB 67 Cornelius Edison C 81 WR 95 DE 55 Anthony Barr LB 68 Ade Aruna DE 82 Kyle Rudolph TE 96 DT 56 Garrett Bradbury C 69 T 83 Tyler Conklin TE 97 Everson Griffen DE 57 Devante Downs LB 71 Riley Reiff T 84 Irv Smith, Jr. TE 98 Linval Joseph DT 58 Austin Cutting LS 72 Storm Norton T 85 Alexander Hollins WR 99 Danielle Hunter DE

16 2019 vikings playbook CARDINALS ROSTER

41 22 45 Pete Robertson LB safety safety 42 Anthony Harris 54 Harrison Smith 55 46 Aaron Brewer LS linebacker linebacker linebacker Ben Gedeon Eric Kendricks Anthony Barr 47 Ezekiel Turner LB 48 Tanner Vallejo LB 49 Andre Branch LB 49 Wes Hills RB 26 97 98 93 99 29 50 Brooks Reed LB cornerback defensive end nose tackle defensive tackle defensive end cornerback Trae Waynes Everson Griffen Linval Joseph Shamar Stephen Danielle Hunter Xavier Rhodes 51 Dante Booker LB 52 OL vikings defense cardinals offense 53 A.Q. Shipley OL 54 Vontarrius Dora LB 55 Chandler Jones LB 56 Terrell Suggs LB 11 74 67 52 53 64 76 85 57 Pita Taumoepenu LB wide receiver left tackle left guard center center right guard right tackle tight end 58 Larry Fitzgerald D.J. Humphries Justin Pugh Mason Cole A.Q. Shipley J.R. Sweezy Marcus Gilbert Charles Clay Jordan Hicks LB 59 Joe Walker LB 61 Coleman Shelton OL 1 31 13 18 63 Rees Odhiambo OL 64 J.R. Sweezy OL quarterback running back wide receiver wide receiver Kyler Murray David Johnson Christian Kirk Kevin White 65 Lamont Gaillard OL 66 Josh Miles OL 67 Justin Pugh OL cardinals special teams 68 Jeremy Vujnovich OL 69 Patrick Lawrence OL 70 Colby Gossett OL 5 4 46 13 22 71 Sterling Bailey DL kicker punter long snapper punt returner kick returner 72 Miles Brown DL Zane Gonzalez Andy Lee Aaron Brewer Christian Kirk T.J. Logan 73 Max Garcia OL 74 D.J. Humphries OL 75 William Sweet OL 76 Marcus Gilbert OL roster and depth chart 78 Parker Ehinger OL 79 Korey Cunningham OL ARIZONA CARDINALS 80 Isaac Zico WR 81 Darrell Daniels TE 82 Drew Belcher TE 83 A.J. Richardson WR 1 Kyler Murray QB 17 Hakeem Butler WR 31 David Johnson RB 84 Caleb Wilson TE 2 Ryan Winslow P 18 Kevin White WR 32 Budda Baker S 85 Charles Clay TE 3 Drew Anderson QB 19 KeeSean Johnson WR 33 Byron Murphy CB 86 Ricky Seals-Jones TE 4 Andy Lee P 20 Tramaine Brock, Sr. CB 34 Dontae Strickland RB 87 Maxx Williams TE 5 Zane Gonzalez K 21 Patrick Peterson CB 35 Deionte Thompson S 89 Andy Isabella WR 6 Charles Kanoff QB 22 T.J. Logan RB 36 D.J. Swearinger, Sr. S 90 Terrell McClain DL 7 Brett Hundley QB 23 Robert Alford CB 37 D.J. Foster RB 91 Michael Dogbe DL 10 Chad Williams WR 25 Chris Jones CB 38 Jalen Thompson S 92 Dennis Gardeck LB 11 Larry Fitzgerald WR 26 Brandon Williams CB 39 Tyler Sigler S 93 Jeff Holland LB 12 Pharoh Cooper WR 27 Josh Shaw DB 41 Nate Brooks CB 94 Cameron Malveaux LB 13 Chrisitan Kirk WR 28 Deatrick Nichols CB 42 Jonathan Owens S 95 Rodney Gunter DL 14 Demiere Byrd WR 29 Chase Edmonds RB 43 Haason Reddick LB 96 Pasoni Tasini DL 16 Trent Sherfield WR 30 Rudy Ford S 44 Hayes Pullard LB 97 Zach Allen DL

*Depth charts are unofficial 2019 vikings playbook 17 by eric smith irv smith, jr., walked into his favorite restaurant in new orleans, eagerly anticipating a dinner with his immediate family to celebrate a milestone The Vikings rookie tight end was weekend. in his hometown and preparing for the first NFL game of his career, a preseason date with the Saints that also fell on his 21st birthday. But when he walked into the restaurant, his father, a former first- round pick of the Saints, told him his mom and grandma were running late. Irv Smith, Sr., then led his son to a private room on the third floor of the Palace Café, telling him they’d just wait for the others to arrive. Smith, Jr., had little idea what was in store for him. “We go on the elevator, and I just thought there were two stories [in the restaurant],” he explained. “But we go to the third floor and I’m like, ‘Where are we going?’ I see this room, but I couldn’t see anything in there, but they opened the her son already was dribbling a basketball. “I remember him getting his swimming lessons when he was 2 ½ and the swimming instructor was like, ‘I’ve never seen anything like him.’ By Day 2, he was diving off the diving board and swimming the length of the pool,” Matamoros said. “And when his sister played basketball, he was the first kid on the court at halftime. He’s 2 ½ years old, and he’s shooting on a 10-foot basket and making them.” The 6-foot-2 tight end was 22 inches long when he was born. “He was like an alien,” Matamoros said with a laugh. Smith, Jr., said he has just enjoyed the competition of athletics throughout his life, whether it was roller-skating in the door and everybody yelled, ‘Surprise!’ it’s something special. The people are so street as a kid or helping the Crimson Tide “It was special. All birthdays are special, welcoming and open. It’s a place like no win a national title in 2017. but I feel like your 21st is a big one,” added other. It shaped me to the man I am.” He plans on bringing that same mentality the rookie who was taken aback by the 14 The festive atmosphere of the city was to his new home in Minnesota, where he friends and family members, including his on display on the night of April 26, when scored his first NFL touchdown against the mom and grandma, in attendance. “Then the Smith family had a crawfish boil with Seahawks last weekend. with it being my first NFL game, having all more than 50 pounds of the popular “Each level of sports I’ve played — that time together, especially in my home Southern food, and the Vikings picked whether it was grade school, middle city, it’s something special and something Smith, Jr., with the 50th overall pick of the school, high school or college — I feel like I’ll never forget.” 2019 NFL Draft. I’ve progressed well, and I think I’ll do that His mom, Rose Matamoros, added: “His mom and his aunt, they all put on here, too. High school to college is a bigger “The fact that he’s home in New Orleans the event and did an amazing job. They [physical] jump because in high school, and playing against the team his dad really blessed him and blessed everybody you’re basically the top guy,” said Smith, used to play for and he’s turning 21 in his that came,” Smith, Sr., said. “We ate Jr. “But going to Alabama, going against hometown … it’s crazy how it all came crawfish until we couldn’t eat crawfish the top players on my team at practice, it together like this.” anymore.” was tough. But once that’s instilled in you, Smith, Jr., was born in New Orleans but Smith, Jr., may have a special connection I feel like it prepared me. The jump from moved to Phoenix soon after. He returned to the Bayou, but the Land of 10,000 Lakes college to the NFL is more mental and to the Big Easy for his high school years, is where he is expected to make an impact more detailed-oriented. where he was a prep star at Brother Martin in the Vikings offense. “I just want to go out there and play fast High School. A shifty mismatch in college, he recorded on every play,” he added. “I know if I can The Smith family has a special connection 58 receptions for 838 yards (14.4 yards per play fast, that I’m going to be confident I to the city; the Saints selected Irv Smith, reception) and 10 touchdowns in 38 games can go out there and make plays. If I can Sr., with the 20th overall pick in the 1993 for Alabama. He had 33 receptions that do that, then the sky is the limit.” NFL Draft after his standout career at gained a first down or scored a touchdown Notre Dame. in college. The elder Smith’s first preseason game In Minnesota, he will complement veteran also was in New Orleans, and at the same tight end Kyle Rudolph and hopefully stadium (the Superdome), but 26 years provide quarterback Kirk Cousins with before his son’s debut. another weapon in the passing game. The homecoming weekend was a big The tight end is known for his deal for the family, who likes to say that athleticism. He tied for the third-fastest New Orleans is all about family, food and time in the 40-yard dash (4.63 seconds) at football. the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. “Some people just think it’s Bourbon According to his mom, his athleticism Street and it’s fun and all that,” Smith, Jr., goes back a long ways. While most kids said. “But it also has a lot of culture, and were learning to walk around a year old,

2019 vikings playbook 19

Brothers

KENTRELL BROTHERS’ PREGAME ROUTINE IS QUITE THE THROWBACK. BY CRAIG PETERS in attendance the night that Brothers recorded 14 tackles, forced a and blocked a punt The Vikings linebacker and key special teams against Mississippi State in 2015 on the way core player can be seen catching passes in the to leading FBS with 152 tackles. The Vikings end zone, often plucking pigskins from the selected Brothers in the fifth round in 2016. air with one hand, making it look as easy as “I remember him being there,” Brothers the office picking a ready apple. recalled. “That was a crazy game, actually, brothers’ “I really do it just to get my shoulders loose, because they had some weapons. They had favorite tv show is the office and I get to run up and down the field after [Dallas QB] Dak [Prescott].” we do our stretches,” Brothers said. “Really, The first time that Brothers stepped into an it’s because I miss doing that in high school, NFL venue was Jan. 3, 2014, when he helped playing receiver and getting to catch the ball. Mizzou beat an Oklahoma State team that didn’t Now I get the opportunity to do it, so I’m going offer him a scholarship at AT&T Stadium. to keep it up.” “Seeing that big ol’ screen and that brand-new Brothers played defensive end and receiver at stadium at the time, it was just unbelievable,” Guthrie High School (Oklahoma), becoming the Brothers said. “I got here, and my first year here alma mater first 1,000-yard receiver in school history. was the first year in the new stadium. That was brothers graduated “I did that twice, and it’s crazy because I one of the greatest things I think I’ve ever been from missouri university played both sides of the ball, which I don’t see a part of, knowing I could get a locker in there, happening now. I don’t know how I did that,” get to play in there in a stadium like that. I got Brothers said. “Junior year, I think I had 1,100 to see the doors open and the SKOL Chant, and yards of receiving and 18 sacks. My senior year, I was like, ‘Man, these are some crazy things I had 1,300 yards receiving and 16 or 17 sacks.” happening right now.’ I’m thankful because this Brothers’ prowess in football took him to stuff is not easy. We might make it look easy, Missouri. He overlapped with the Tigers final but it’s hard to get here. I’m thankful for still season in the Big 12, but was redshirted with being able to be here.” an injury, and first four in the SEC. Mizzou So while Brothers is incredibly grateful for all sports brothers played began SEC play with consecutive appearances the places that football has taken him, he still high school in the conference title game and had an upset loves to reminisce about the glow on Friday basketball win at No. 7 Georgia, a place he identified as nights after going from fullback to halfback to and tennis his favorite college venue. receiver to defensive end before becoming a Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman was linebacker.

2019 vikings playbook 21 timeout kentrell brothers

“That’s something I miss every day, Q: Do you know more about The Office than those Friday night lights,” Brothers said. anyone on the team? “You don’t really think about it when “Definitely. I started The Office in you’re in high school, but you get here November of 2017, and I don’t think I and you miss those days.” A: go two days without watching at least one Brothers said he enjoys working with episode. I might have watched every episode at youth of all ages and would like to be least 50 times. “ a counselor/coach when he wraps his playing career. “I like making them smile, I like making them happy, so anything I can do to work Q: Do you have a favorite episode or character? with kids once I am done with football, I “Dwight. It would be Michael Scott, before would be glad to do,” Brothers said. A: he left, but after that, it’s definitely Dwight. My favorite episode is probably the CPR episode. That’s hands-down the funniest thing. It’s so random; the most random things happen WE CAUGHT UP WITH BROTHERS FOR A TIMEOUT and make me laugh.”

If you could award yourself or a teammate a Q: Dundie Award, what would you pass out?

Q: How did the new special teams rules on “Probably give it to [Eric Kendricks] for kickoffs affect you last year? A: best hair. I still don’t understand how he doesn’t have a Head & Shoulders sponsorship. “At first, they were kind of difficult to, He actually cut it a little bit. It looks nice now. I A: not really understand, but just get used would probably give Jayron [Kearse] the Whitest to. You get used to doing things a certain way Shoes like they gave Pam.” for two years and being really successful with it and then turn around and switch it up. But Do any teammates compare to characters in they’re trying to keep the game safe, which I Q: the show? understand completely. A lot of injuries can happen, and you’ve seen some really bad ones “I would say Jim would be [Anthony Barr], that people don’t make the best recoveries A: just for the sarcasm. I would call myself from, so I respect the decision to keep players Michael Scott, just because I’m random with all safe. It’s on us to get used to them.” of the things that I say. Dwight, I don’t know if there would be a Dwight. There’s not a Creed, definitely not a Creed. Ben [Gedeon is] probably Q: You also played high school basketball and mad at me, but sometimes I feel like Ben and tennis. There’s usually not much overlap between Kevin are similar. I don’t know why. Sometimes tennis and football. What drew you to tennis? I feel that way. I told him that, too, but Kevin is one of my favorite characters. “I liked playing ping pong and had a lot of friends who played tennis. I was also A: Have you and Kirk Cousins bonded over your out of football and wanted to play another love for the show? sport. I was thinking about track, but I wasn’t Q: fast enough, and I also didn’t think I would “He overheard me talking about it one be very good at it. [Tennis] was fun. I played A: day, and I found out that he watched it all in a couple of tournaments. I only played one of the time, so we would take quizzes on his season, but I learned a lot. Footwork is crazy, phone, talk about episodes and look at clips. and serving is the hardest thing I think I’ve I tried to get [Kendricks and Barr] to watch it. ever done in my life.” Ben [Gedeon] loves it.”

22 2019 vikings playbook

24 2019 vikings playbook by lindsey y o u n g kyle rudolph spotted the spiral first and went up above the crowd in the end zone. “YOU CAN’T LOSE SIGHT OF THE FLOW OF A GAME. THERE’S GOING The 44-yard Hail Mary grab by Rudolph, thrown by Kirk Cousins all the way from the Minnesota 45-yard line, helped the Vikings take a 14-9 lead at halftime and ultimately defeat Detroit 27-9. TO BE UPS AND DOWNS, AND SOMETIMES “It was like when I turned, the ball was on its way down,” Rudolph recalled. “It’s kind of a scrum in that situation, and IT STARTS DOWN BEFORE IT GETS UP.” I was able to turn and just use my big body, jump as high as I could and catch it.” -kyle rudolph Earlier that game, Minnesota’s offense had gotten off to a slow start and held little-to-no momentum after four consecutive three-and-outs. The Thanks to the heave by Cousins and “rebound” by Vikings trailed by 9, but Rudolph pointed out Rudolph, the Vikings got on a roll and never slowed. that if they could put points on the board “Points can happen so quickly in this league,” he said (and knowing they would have the ball of encouraging his teammates to keep at it. “You can’t to start the second half), back-to-back lose sight of the flow of a game. There’s going to be ups scores would take back the lead. and downs, and sometimes it starts down before it gets up.” The Vikings did that and then Rudolph’s experiences in the NFL have enabled him to keep a level some. After a Stefon Diggs head in a variety of game situations over the years. He’s been touchdown inside the 2-minute part of a 3-13 team as a rookie and a 13-3 squad that began 2017 warning, Minnesota forced with a 2-2 mark through four games. Detroit to punt and had There was some external speculation about his future with the Vikings 36 seconds to make this offseason, but the tight end signed a multiyear extension in June. something happen. Fans from all over reached out to Rudolph after he inked his new deal. From social

2019 vikings2019 vikings playbook playbook 25 “IT’S BEEN REALLY FUN FOR ME TO SEE THEM GROW UP AROUND THIS ORGANIZATION.”

-kyle rudolph

media messages to random run-ins and planned ground on a forever home that will keep make-a-play mentality player events, he felt “overwhelming support” them embedded in the community. The Vikings win at Detroit was longtime from across Minnesota. Kyle and the three kids took turns posing for assistant coach Kevin Stefanski’s second He recalled an appearance at Twin Cities photos in the front seat of the large, yellow game as interim offensive coordinator. Orthopedics Performance Center in which he excavator, and Jordan operated the machine Now heading into the 2019 campaign, and Vikings Head Coach signed and actually moved the first chunk of soil. Rudolph is excited for Stefanski to continue autographs and hosted a Q&A for fans. Rudolph explained that he purchased the calling the plays. “The first ‘question’ was just a statement land a year ago, before his future with the Rudolph recalled first meeting Stefanski telling Coach Zimmer they were glad that he Vikings was “necessarily certain.” in 2011, who at the time served as the kept me,” Rudolph said. “No matter where football was to take me, Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach, and For the 29-year-old, the showing of love we want to come back here. We want our realizing early on he was a “really, really sharp from fans validated his philosophy of “doing kids to grow up here,” Rudolph said. “Now offensive mind.” things the right way” on and off the field. having broken ground, you start to see that In 2014, Stefanski began a two-season stint He explained: future come to life.” as the tight ends coach and worked directly “On the field, I take pride in, no matter what After a Vikings training camp practice this with Rudolph. my assignment is, whether it’s glamorous or summer, Rudolph laughed as the twins took “A guy that played safety in college, that not, trying to execute it so that the 10 other turns lugging his heavy purple helmet and had never played the tight end position guys on offense always know, ‘We don’t have trying on his yellow gloves. Henry sat in the before … he didn’t try to coach us or teach to worry about Rudy. His assignment’s going grass nearby, taking it all in. us like he knew what playing the position to be taken care of.’ ” A few days later, the family stood on the was like,” Rudolph said. “Instead, he always field of TCO Stadium after the annual night prepared us so well mentally that we could practice and watched fireworks sparkle across just let our athleticism and our intuition of building memories the sky. Rudolph stood and held Finley, who playing the position take over.” Away from the gridiron, Rudolph is thrilled wore a custom 82 shirt with a purple-and-gold Stefanski has led three different position to be calling Minnesota “home” for good. DADDY in place of a nameplate. groups under the direction of six different Kyle and his wife, Jordan, have welcomed Family moments at the facility are offensive coordinators. Add the influence three children – twin daughters, Andersyn fatherhood favorites for Rudolph. this year of Assistant Head Coach/Offensive and Finley, and son, Henry – here. The family He smiled and reflected on watching Henry Advisor Gary Kubiak, and it’s seven. is deeply connected to the University of experience his first visit to TCO Performance But as his coaching prowess his increased, Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, in Center and the girls’ innocent excitement his ego hasn’t. which they opened Kyle Rudolph’s End Zone about Viktor the Viking and endless Gatorade “I feel like most first-time coordinators as a space of respite for young patients and at “Daddy’s football camp.” would [say], ‘Now I’m the coordinator, and their families. “It’s been really fun for me to see them grow we’re going to do things my way. I finally And on July 30, the Rudolph family broke up around this organization,” Rudolph said. earned the way to do things my way.’ And

26 2019 vikings playbook LIVE GENEROUSLY AND LIFE WILL TREAT YOU ROYALLY

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Half-Page Ad that couldn’t be more opposite of Kevin,” with things, and he never really got comfortable Rudolph said. “He just wants to put us in with me,” Rudolph continued. “And then we “THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY situations to be successful. If that means played together for a whole year.” taking something from the Pat Shurmur In 2018, Rudolph finished 2018 with GUYS THAT CAN MAKE A offense, great. If that’s something that 64 receptions for 634 yards and four Coach Kubiak’s been doing for the last 18 touchdowns. He caught a career-best 78 PLAY ON ANY GIVEN DOWN. years, great. If that’s something that Kirk’s percent of his targets. comfortable doing, great.” “That’s kind of always been my mentality: It’s no secret that the Vikings 2019 offense ‘If he trusts me enough to throw me THAT’S WHAT EXCITES plans to be “more multiple,” as Stefanski puts it. the ball, make a play for him. Because It’s likely that fans will see the use of then it will come back again,’ ” Rudolph .” heavier personnel groupings, which would explained, “That may take time. It may ME MOST certainly benefit Rudolph. But it’s more than take a whole year to build that the potential of 12 personnel that has him chemistry. But we’re starting geared up for Season No. 9. to build that, and I think it’s “The thing that excites me most about this going to help our offense.” offense is utilizing everyone,” Rudolph said. “With the talent that we have on offense – when we utilize both receivers, the tight end, the running back – who are you going to defend? It’s not possible to defend everyone. “Everybody knows we’ve got to get back to running the football, and once we run the football and we have our whole playbook open, you can’t defend it,” he continued. “There are just too many guys that can make a play on any given down. That’s what excites me most.” In addition to helping bolster the ground game, Rudolph also hopes to continue making plays through the air – although not necessarily via Hail Marys. Cousins’ trust in Rudolph has grown, and the quarterback acknowledged this summer that he wishes he would have given him more opportunities last season. “I think our comfort level has come from playing together for a whole year,” Rudolph said. “People don’t realize that I didn’t practice a whole lot last season coming off ankle surgery. … I took a few reps in the spring but really didn’t get going until training camp.” “Your first year [with a team] as a quarterback, you kind of get comfortable

2019 vikings playbook 29

by lindsey young

Ade moved from Nigeria to the United States the locker room, it kind of gives me peace of 7 VIKINGS CONNECT THROUGH at the age of 16, making the international my mind, like I’m home,” Ade said. “I don’t CULTURE AND CUSTOMS journey by himself. He has no immediate feel like the odd man out.” family here in Minnesota, yet it’s come to Bené, whose father emigrated from Nigeria feel like home. to attend college in the States, appreciates when ade aruna And while it’s fair to say that the Vikings the connection he’s felt with players around walks through roster is a family all its own, six individual the league who share his heritage. The the expanse of the nameplates particularly catch Ade’s eyes – veteran has spent time with several teams vikings locker room, and his heart. and referred to an “open arms” experience, he scans the purple Counting Ade, seven players of Nigerian no matter the locker room. nameplates mounted heritage are on Minnesota’s 90-man roster. “You go in and it’s like, ‘Oh, you’re above lockers and He is joined by draft picks Bisi Johnson Nigerian?’ It’s almost like you get a hug, and Olisaemeka Udoh, Bené Benwikere, pretty much, like ‘I got you,’ ” Bené explained. breathes easy. Kaare Vedvik, and brothers Ifeadi and Tito “It’s almost like, I guess, a little fraternity. Odenigbo. So that’s been something that’s been pretty this is comfortable. “Just seeing their names when I walk across cool from team to team.”

2019 vikings playbook 31 TITO AND IFEADI ARE BOTH PART OF THE

Kaare, who signed with Minnesota DEFENSIVE LINE. on Aug. 11, shared a similar experience. “I walked in here, and the first two people who come up to me are Nigerian – Ade and Ife (Ifeadi),” he said. “And Bisi gave me a ride [to work]. I think that’s pretty cool. “It’s just funny to see how their journeys have gone, how my journey has gone and how we all ended up in the same place,” Kaare added. Ade often fields questions about Nigeria from the other six, who appreciate learning more about their heritage and culture. “We talk and just relate with each other since we have the same roots,” he added. “Even though they weren’t born there, I still see them as my brothers.” BACK & FORTH BETWEEN CULTURES Ask the teammates, and they will tell you “We knew that we were kind of different,” was, ‘Everything you do, you have to fight to that challenges and advantages alike come Tito added. “It’s just something that we’ve survive. You find a way for yourself – there’s with “straddling cultures,” per se. always noticed and had to adapt to quickly.” nobody holding your hand.’ ” Bisi grew up in Colorado and noticed many Several players spoke of realizing at a young Now living 4,000 miles away from his differences between the families of his age that their parents were much more family, Kaare often finds himself revisiting father, who is Nigerian, and his mother, an serious and stricter – a common thread for fatherly advice and encouragement he’s Iowa native. Even daily meals reflected the Nigerian households – than, in general, those received over the years. stark contrast between cultures. of their friends. “When he talks, we have to listen,” “I would go to my dad’s house and have a Kaare said. “It’s helped me, throughout bunch of Nigerian food. And then I would go when I was pretty much on the sideline to my mom’s and have Iowa pea salad,” Bisi LIFE LESSONS for a whole year [in Baltimore]. Certain said with a laugh. “She’s really big on that.” From housework to homework, the bar things that my dad talked about, that’s Childhood friends couldn’t understand his was set high for all seven. But by and large, when you apply those things. It keeps you Nigerian family members who spoke in thick the rigid upbringings have been not only pushing ahead. … If anything’s going to accents, and he remembers realizing that it respected but appreciated. defeat you, it’s not you. You have to have hadn’t been a natural part of their upbringing Kaare is grateful for his father’s “life your own back.” the way it was his. lessons,” understanding that the teaching is Ifeadi added that he doesn’t take his For Tito, attending school in Dayton, Ohio, based on personal experience and motivated unique background for granted, and he was like “going back and forth” between wholly by love. prides himself on the work ethic his parents cultures. “He’s trying to help us move ahead and to ingrained in him from a young age. “You’re not fully Nigerian … and you know not make the same mistakes that he saw in “I grew up in a household where it’s kind that very quickly,” he said. “But you’re not his own life. He grew up in a harsher reality of the norm to work hard, and you didn’t fully American. We have a little bit of an than I did,” Kaare explained of his father, who always get that validation,” he explained. accent, too, and we’re clearly so much darker was raised along with seven siblings by his “At the end of the day … you’re working than anyone else. grandmother. “He had it tough. A lot of it hard because it feels good to work hard.”

this excerpt is part of a larger story on vikings of nigerian LEARN MORE heritage. visit vikings.com to read the longform in its entirety.

32 2019 vikings playbook SELL, BUY OR TRANSFER SBLs ONLINE

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When Vikki Zimmer took her children to pick out a puppy in 2003, the decision proved harder than expected. Only two wiggling puppies remained in the litter when the group of four arrived to choose Vikki’s Christmas present. “Me and Corri wanted one of them, my sister Marki wanted the other, and my mom said, ‘I can’t leave [either one],’ ” recalled Vikings linebackers coach Adam Zimmer. “So ANDEE we came home, and my dad said, ‘I said you could get a Lab, not two.’ But we ended up & ALLEE with the two girls.” It didn’t take long, however, for Mike Zimmer to warm up to the pair of dogs that his wife breed: named Andee and Allee. Adam still smiles chocolate labs over the unique spelling that Vikki chose. Mike Zimmer has previously owned Labs trained to be hunting dogs, but Andee and sister sister: Allee weren’t part of that club. last 2 puppies of “These were my mom’s pets and babies,” their litter Adam said. “So, they were really very spoiled and pampered, for lack of a better word.” uptown girls: The Labs lived with the Zimmers until 2008, enjoy city living when Mike Zimmer accepted the Bengals defensive coordinator position and he and Vikki moved into a Cincinnati apartment. puppy i.q. Adam at that point worked as the Saints both very smart assistant linebackers coach and had a home – and backyard – in New Orleans, so Andee and

2019 PRESEASON COACH ADAM ZIMMER BY LINDSEY YOUNG

2019 vikings playbook 35 Allee moved in with him. that time they knew where they were going – I And when Vikki tragically passed away in could let them off the leash, and they could go 2009, the pups that she loved held an even right to my door. "These were my greater place in the family’s heart. “They love to swim,” Adam adds of the well- “She raised them and trained them, so a part traveled canines. “Allee, when she was younger, mom’s pets and of her is still here, and that’s kind of neat,” you couldn’t keep her out of our pool in Texas. Adam said, a hint of emotion cracking his voice. She would jump in over and over again, and she Now 16 years old, Andee and Allee remain wouldn’t stop unless you made her stop.” babies... She raised loyal companions to each other and to Adam. Up until a short time ago, they still enjoyed What once was sleek, brown fur has turned playing together in the cool waters of Bde them and trained mostly white around their muzzles and eyes. Maka Ska, where a little competition floated Joints now stiffen quickly, and energetic runs to the surface. them, so a part of have become slow, methodical walks through “Everyone thinks it’s really funny when they Adam’s Uptown apartment building, where go swimming together and chase a stick,” her is still here, and neighbors say hello. Adam said. “They will not let the other one But the inner puppy in both hasn’t bring it back by herself, so they’re swimming that’s kind of neat.” disappeared, their spunky spirits and along in the water, one end of the stick is affectionate personalities still very evident one dog’s mouth, and the other end is in the beneath the age. other’s, and they’re fighting each other for it. –ADAM ZIMMER ON Adam describes Andee and Allee as “loving, It’s pretty funny.” ALLEE AND ANDEE pleasing” dogs with a knack for know-how. While they share many of the same “They want to do whatever you want them qualities, the sisters’ personalities also differ to. And they’re really smart, extremely smart in some areas. dogs,” Adam said. “We were living in this “Allee was always the sneaky one. She apartment for probably two weeks, and by would sneak and try to find food or get into the trash,” Adam said, laughing. “Andee was always more of the one who did what she was supposed to – most of the time. Every once in a while, if I leave some trash around or if it’s open, she’ll be eating something.” Andee craves more attention and human contact; Allee has an independent streak. “They’re different … but they mesh together pretty well,” Adam said. On a large cushion that perfectly fits into a square of sunshine near the window, Andee and Allee can often be found intertwined together, difficult to tell where one dog ends and the other begins. “They’re good companions for each other when I’m working,” Adam said. “I have a dog walker during the [NFL] season that comes twice a day, and there’s a nice little dog park here that the apartment built. “If they were younger and more rambunctious, I think a yard could be better, but they pretty much eat and sleep now,” he added with a laugh.

36 2019 vikings playbook “DRAFT BACKUPS FIRST, SO YOU GET ” THE BESTAD BACKUPS.

FANTASY PLAYERS ARE OFF THEIR GAME WHEN THEY’RE HUNGRY.

LIMITED EDITION NFL HUNGER BARS. © 2018 Mars or Aliates.

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE NFL VIKINGS AND MARK ROSEN partner on new content initiatives

The Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Hall of Fame broadcaster Mark Rosen are teaming up this season to create exclusive programming. Rosen and the Vikings Entertainment Network UNDER CENTER SKOL STORIES will bring fans behind-the-scenes content WITH KIRK COUSINS through two weekly multimedia series — Under A program as momentous as Rosen’s career, Center with Kirk Cousins and Skol Stories. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will team the broadcaster will use his decades of Additionally, Halftime Update will feature up with Rosen to deliver unique content via connections to the Vikings organization to Rosen in a new in-stadium segment for fans a weekly 60-minute series featuring current tell the stories of Vikings Legends. attending Vikings home games. Vikings players, prominent Minnesotans and Co-hosted by Vikings.com’s Mike Wobschall, “I’m thrilled to partner with the Vikings guests with personal connections to Cousins. the 30-minute weekly audio broadcast will to bring fans quality, behind-the-scenes Other segments will focus on game reactions voyage through Vikings history. stories and to be involved in the game-day with sound from press conferences, the Tune-in: KFAN-FM 100.3 atmosphere at U.S. Bank Stadium,” Rosen locker room, game highlights and NFL Hosts: Mark Rosen and Mike Wobschall said. “The Vikings have a vision of generating Network. Cousins and Rosen will also answer Time: 6:30-7 p.m. on Thursdays (first content that can’t be found anywhere else, fan questions and voicemails on a regular episode to air Thursday, Sept. 5) and I can’t wait to be a part of that. I’m very basis. The series will feature both video and Vikings Platforms: Vikings.com, excited to sit down with Kirk Cousins each audio components and will be available Vikings App week during the season and welcome the fans across multiple platforms. Audio Podcast: KFAN iHeart Radio App, into our conversations.” Tune-in: KFAN-FM 100.3 Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. Rosen, a long-time sports broadcaster at Hosts: Kirk Cousins and Mark Rosen WCCO-TV, retired from television in January Time: 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays (first episode 2019 after 50 years at the station. “MARK HAS A PASSION FOR STORYTELLING to air Tuesday, Sept. 3) Over the course of his career, he was front Vikings Platforms: Vikings.com, THAT ALIGNS WITH OUR GOAL OF and center for monumental sports moments, Vikings App, Vikings Now Connected PRODUCING VALUABLE CONTENT AND including the “Miracle on Ice” in the 1980 TV App and YouTube Olympics, the 1987 and 1991 World Series EXPERIENCES FOR VIKINGS FANS.” Audio Podcast: KFAN iHeart Radio App, titles claimed by the Minnesota Twins, the Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. - bryan harper introduction of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the “Minneapolis Miracle” in the NFC Divisional Playoffs after the 2017 NFL season. At the time of his retirement, Rosen was the HALFTIME UPDATE longest-tenured sports broadcaster in any major U.S. market. Designed to deliver expanded broadcast-style football analysis to the in-stadium audience, “Mark has a passion for storytelling that the live Halftime Update will highlight key storylines from the Vikings first half and touch aligns with our goal of producing valuable on pertinent updates and scores from around the NFL. Rosen will team with a guest analyst content and experiences for Vikings fans,” to present the segment, which will serve as a companion piece to the live entertainment said Vikings Vice President of Content & taking place during each halftime at U.S. Bank Stadium. Production Bryan Harper. “His impressive career, along with his credibility in the market Tune-in: U.S. Bank Stadium, KFAN-FM 100.3 and extensive knowledge of the team, made Host: Mark Rosen this a natural partnership.” Time: Halftime of Vikings Home Games

38 2019 vikings playbook Get to know Dani HOMETOWN: APPLE VALLEY, MN

OCCUPATION: COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION COST CONSULTANT AND PROJECT ENGINEER

FAVORITE APPEARANCE?

My favorite appearance was being a part of the 2019 MN Football Honors Awards Ceremony. It was inspiring to see high school athletes being recognized for their outstanding character.

FAVORITE GAME-DAY HIGHLIGHT?

My best experience as an MVC was the first home game where the National Anthem was accompanied by a full-field American flag. As I stood facing the field and watched the red-and-white stripes wave, I felt an overwhelming feeling of pride. In that moment, I could not help but be so grateful for the opportunities I have been given in my life and truly valued the mantra of living in the moment.

» CHECK OUT DANI IN THIS YEAR’S CALENDAR OR ON THE VIKINGS APP GET YOUR 2019-2020 VIKINGS CHEERLEADER CALENDAR FEATURING ALL 33 CHEERLEADERS AT TODAY’S GAME OR ONLINE AT VIKINGSLOCKERROOM.COM. FOR EXCLUSIVE VIKINGS CHEER PHOTOS, DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL VIKINGS APP BY GOING TO MNVKN.GS/APPDOWNLOAD ON ANY DEVICE.

2019 vikings playbook 39 viktor’s mascot game playbook

Viktor has all of his friends in town for the Mascots vs. Peewees Football Game, and he needs your help drawing up plays! Draw your most creative play, snap a picture of it and tag @ViktortheViking on social media, and you might see the mascots run your play at halftime! 50 X X X X

40 X X X X X X X

freddie pk prowl goldy swoop sourdough falcon gopher sam 30

viktor the viking stomper miles

Viktor The Viking @ViktorTheViking Official Viktor @ViktorTheViking VikingsViktor The Viking

40 2019 vikings playbook youth programs

The Minnesota Vikings Kids Club offers the younger generation of Vikings fans a unique opportunity to engage with their favorite team.

members receive a special kit that includes:

• whistling rocket football • viktor plush pillow pet • arm sleeve • stickers & more!

The Vikings Kids Club also offers members exclusive opportunities to meet players on the field at Verizon Vikings Training Camp, as well as special Kids Club events held throughout the year at TCO Performance Center and U.S. Bank Stadium. Each month, one lucky member receives an autographed item, and all members receive an e-newsletter with games, event information and special player and member features.

Join the Kids Club today by emailing [email protected] or visit vikings.com/kidsclub

2019 vikings playbook 41 community vikings table

Coach Mike Zimmer got in on the fun, joking that he had his table moving the most efficiently. “It’s really fun for us to get a chance to interact with the community and be able to come and give back,” Zimmer said during a brief break in the action. “And quite honestly, it’s good bonding for us. Each table has its own competition with one another.” Zimmer said he is proud of the community- centric culture that the Vikings organization has fostered. “A lot of it has to do with the players we bring in,” he added. “[Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman] and myself are very specific about by lindsey young the types of guys we want to have here, and I think it just kind of shows with off-the-field vikings players swapped their helmets for hairnets this spring. activities, as well.” Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins also enjoyed Following an Organized Team Activity with local youth. the afternoon of calling out food items rather practice, the entire team – in addition to “It’s great just being here and doing this than play calls. coaches and training staff – loaded buses at event with the kids, seeing them smile Cousins said he especially values initiatives Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center and have fun, and helping to feed the that involve personal interaction. and traveled to the Southside Village Boys [community],” Rhodes said. “[My favorite charity efforts will] always be & Girls Club. Rhodes, his teammates and coaches, and face-to-face with people,” Cousins said. “When There, they joined 80 students from the the young people worked quickly to sort, you’re able to hear stories of how giving your Richard R. Green Central Park Elementary scoop, seal and package 35,000 meals in just time and resources has made a difference, it School. The students, who were selected under an hour. really does touch your heart.” for the experience based on attendance, A large portion of those meals will benefit Prior to the team’s arrival, Vikings staff behavior and academic excellence, were Boys & Girls Clubs across the Twin Cities, while members – along with U.S. Bank employees and divided into stations with Vikings players the additional meals will be distributed to members of HandsOn Twin Cities – spent the and coaches, where they packed food as part Twin Cities families with the help of Second morning onsite working on various projects. of the Feeding Children Everywhere program. Harvest Heartland and other community From organizing and cleaning the attic, to Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes partners that focus on food insecurity. deep-cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms and represented Boys & Girls Clubs during the Teammates hollered challenges to one repainting numerous rooms, to creating artwork team’s “My Cause, My Cleats” game last another across the gymnasium, motivating to place throughout the facility, it was all hands season and was excited once again connect an even faster pace. Even Vikings Head on deck.

the team up to give back event was part of the nfl’s huddle for 100, a leaguewide philanthropic initiative that is accompanying the celebration of the 100th nfl season. as part of this initiative, the nfl has set a goal of fans across the country donating 100 million minutes of their time to make an impact on the community. vikings fans, staff and u.s. bank employees teamed together to have the most minutes of any nfl team in july with a whopping 870,800 total volunteer minutes to win a $5,000 grant that will benefit the community.

join the effort by visiting nfl.com/100 and use #vikingshuddlefor100

42 2019 vikings playbook NEVERMISSA MOMENT

Great Visionfor Your Lifetime PROUDEYECAREPARTNERSOFTHEMINNESOTAVIKINGS

2019 vikings playbook 43 by craig peters game-day auctions There are multiple ways to support the The Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings Foundation, including through participating in gameday auctions. Foundation advances the You can bid on unique memorabilia and unforgettable experiences every home game. well-being of youth through Use bidpal.net/vikings2019 to register. Bidders do not need to be present to win. engaging health and education Go to vikings.com/foundation to learn more about our commitment to this community. vikings table initiatives. We enlist the support Vikings Table, a custom-built food truck, serves healthy meals and provides nutritional education to youth across the Greater Twin of the Vikings players, staff, Cities. Vikings Table funds its programing through selling meals and catering events. fans and community to help Check out the truck on The Commons on game days. Email: [email protected]; Twitter make a measurable impact @VikingsTable This week, Vikings Table partnered with YouthLink to provide meals to youth in need. in the lives of youth in our The group loved the turkey tacos served in blue corn tortillas and learning more about the community who need it most. importance of nutrition.

community partner of the game Thank you for your support of Tackle Cancer! The Minnesota Football Coaches Association is proud to be partnered with the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund on this important initiative. Help us achieve our fundraising goals in 2019. Visit randyshavercancerfund.org/events/tackle-cancer for more information.

44 2019 vikings playbook LET METRO TRANSIT CARRY YOU THE FINAL YARD

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2019 vikings playbook 45 u.s. bank stadium skol service

SPOTLIGHT ON genether thornton

GENETHER THORNTON WAS A SUPERSTAR working for Whelan Event Staffing Services at Verizon Vikings Training Camp. “This is my first year that I have worked training camp, but it is definitely not my last.” Genether said, adding that her favorite part about the experience was interacting with a lot of different people and seeing how positive and engaged fans were at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.

HAVE YOU WITNESSED A SKOL SERVICE TEAM MEMBER GOING ABOVE

Genether explained a memorable moment loves to discover new restaurants, AND BEYOND? from training camp, when Stefon Diggs took movies and online games. the time to autograph one of his gloves and Genether enjoyed adding camp to gave it to a fan. her role on game days at U.S. Bank E-MAIL YOUR STORY TO “The fan he gave the glove to was a little Stadium, where she works to provide boy, and he left camp that day glowing and fans with a safe and positive experience. beyond excited,” Genether said. “That’s what If you spot her, make sure to give her a [email protected] it’s all about!” high-five and say hello. Thank you, When she is not working, Genether is often Genether, for your help in keeping fans hanging out with her 13 grandchildren or safe and engaged. We appreciate all of walking her Australian Shepherd. She also your hard work!

46 2019 vikings playbook

stands CONCESSIONS | U.S. BANK STADIUM 1ST & FRY 129, 143 612 BURGER KITCHEN 339 AZ CANTEEN 344 favorites FRIED CHICKEN WILD ROASTED TURKEY AZ CANTEEN ROTISSERIE 121 111 SANDWICHES MARKET BBQ 324 BUBBLE WAFFLE 124, 329 111, Upper Concourse Legacy GRILLED CHEESE CARIBOU COFFEE 138 108 WINGS Gate CURDS & CAKES 114 106, 112, 130, 131, 134, 347, HOT DOGS CHEESE CURDS Endzone Grill West Endzone ENDZONE GRILL WEST 103, 105, 106, 111, 112, 113, 114, 118, 114, 129, 143 ENDZONE (Event Level) 124, 129, 130, 131, 132, 143, 304, DIPPIN DOTS 311, 313, 317, 328, 336, 341, 345, desserts & treats MILL CITY CLASSICS 311, 317, 129, 307 349, Endzone Grill West Endzone 341, 349 BOMBOLINI MAC & CHEESE BRATS 121, 344 MINNEAPOLIS COCKTAIL 108, 111, 116, 310 103, 106, 112, 118, 124, 130, 131, 101, 130 FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE MINI DONUTS 132, 304, 311, 313, 317, 328, 336, 121 NORTH STAR GRILL 103, 118, 111, 318 341, 345, 349, Endzone Grill 124, 132, 304, 313, 328, 345 West Endzone A LA MODE ICE CREAM REDZONE GRILL 106, 112, 130, 132 NACHOS 124, 329 105, 106, 112, 113, 117, 122, 130, PEANUTS REVIVAL 111 131, 310, 311, 317, 341, 344, 349, All concession stands & RUSTY TACO 105, 113, 122, 310 Endzone Grill West Endzone portables beverages ALL CONCESSION STANDS & FRESCHETTA PIZZA 114, 134, 307 PIZZA POPCORN FOOD PORTABLES 114, 134, 307 105, 113, 122, 124, 304, 311, 313, 328, 341, 349 Bottled Water, Bottled Soda PORTABLE stands food PRETZELS ALL CONCESSION STANDS THE KERNEL 103, 318 Fountain Soda, Gatorade, Draft 110, 114, 118, 124, 134, 307, 311, STEAK AND CHEESE 107 BRISKET SANDWICHES 341, 346, 349, Endzone Grill Beer 324 O’CHEEZE 108 West Endzone ALL BEER PORTABLES CHEESEBURGERS AREPAS 131 PULLED PORK SANDWICHES 16oz Canned Beer 103, 106, 112, 118, 124, 130, 131, M ARTISAN PRETZEL 110, 121, 122, 324 CRISPIN HARD CIDER 132, 304, 313, 328, 339, 345, 311, 346 124, 329 Endzone Grill West Endzone SALAD/WRAPS BUBBLE WAFFLE 111, Upper 124, 329 HENRY’S HARD SPARKLING CHICKEN TENDERS Concourse Legacy Gate 103, 118, 124, 129, 132, 143, 304, STEAK SANDWICHES WATER 124, 318, 328 MINI DONUTS 111, 318 313, 328 107, 325, 334 GOURMET HOT DOG 111, 130 & CRAFT BEER WALL & CUBAN SANDWICHES TACOS West Endzone 324 105, 113, 122, 132, 310, Upper COCKTAILS ON TAP MAC N CHEESE 116 Concourse Legacy Gate 101, 130 FRENCH FRIES NACHOS 117 103, 106, 112, 118, 124, 129, 130, TATER TOT HOT DISH 131, 132, 304, 313, 328, 345 118 IKE’S 119, 336 MARKET BBQ 122 BE GRACEFUL 124, 329 DIPPIN DOTS 129, 307 BE GRACEFUL DORITOS WALKING TACO 132, A local minority-owned and operated business by Robert Upper Concourse Legacy Gate Grace, Be Graceful Café was founded in 2013 and has HERITAGE TEA HOUSE 134 expanded its base catering business to include U.S. Bank Stadium. Be Graceful Café offers delicious gluten-free, AZ BRAT 317 vegan and vegetarian options along with gluten free LOLA’S 334 beer and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water. You can find KRAMARCZUK’S 336 these healthy options, at Section 124 and 329. FONG’S CHINESE 347

48 2019 vikings playbook

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